Sounders Trounce Cal FC 5-0, Advance in US Open Cup

This match was touted as a true David versus Goliath matchup. Amateur side Cal FC managed a surprise victory against the Portland Timbers back in the third round of the US Open Cup. But in the fourth round match against the Seattle Sounders, the outcome was quite a bit different.

I won’t go into the background of Cal FC — you can read all about in the usual places. Suffice it to say, they are a group of young players that for one reason or another were overlooked by other pro clubs. And former US Men’s National player and Fox Soccer Channel commentator, Eric Wynalda, brought them all together.

The visitors managed to keep the match scoreless through the first 45 minutes. But as it was in the last round, the Sounders came out strong in the second half. Five unanswered goals later, and the defending champions are heading to the quarterfinals.

As you might expect, it was a very fun match to shoot. That goal from Alonso (#21 in the gallery below) was absolutely amazing. And after Fredy’s goal in the 68th minute, I kept my camera pointed at him, waiting for his reaction, the entire time the referees were deliberating. I put together a little triptych (#20 in the gallery).

The Sounders’ next opponent will be the San Jose Earthquakes. It’s currently scheduled to be in San Jose on June 26. But that date may change.